When valuing a company, what does a higher discount rate indicate?

A higher discount rate reflects greater perceived risk associated with an investment. In finance, the discount rate is used to determine the present value of future cash flows; it effectively sets the required rate of return that investors demand for taking on that risk. When investors expect a higher level of risk, they require greater returns to compensate for that risk, leading to a higher discount rate.

Thus, a higher discount rate indicates that investors are anticipating higher expected returns, as they seek compensation for the added uncertainty of the investment. This concept aligns with the risk-return tradeoff, where higher risk typically leads to the expectation of higher rewards. Consequently, a higher discount rate signals that the market views the future cash flows of the company as more uncertain or volatile, which in turn necessitates a higher return to justify investment.

The other options do not align with the fundamental principles of risk and return in valuation:

• Lower expected returns contradict the relationship between risk and required return.

• Stable cash flows would typically lead to a lower discount rate, as they present less risk.

• Better market conditions often correlate with lower discount rates because they imply a more favorable environment for steady business performance.